PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has denied claims that there were efforts to sideline Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“Not true, not true,” he said briefly when met as he was leaving the venue of the party’s retreat today.
The closed-door retreat began on Friday and concluded today. When asked about the agenda, Abdul Hadi said it focused on “continuing PN.”
His remarks followed calls by a former aide to Muhyiddin urging the Pagoh MP to step down, claiming the former prime minister’s leadership was no longer appreciated by certain factions within the party and the coalition.
The former aide, Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad, said Muhyiddin had faced continuous criticism from both within and outside the party.
Meanwhile, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the coalition remains united and intact.
“We are a coalition. How could we sideline anyone, including Muhyiddin? PN consists of four parties, and all four remain intact,” he said.
He added that PN remains cohesive at both federal and state levels, noting that the coalition governs four states, including Perlis.
Takiyuddin described the retreat as a routine annual programme held at the beginning of the year, usually in January.
“There was nothing extraordinary discussed. It mainly involved general planning at the state level, including preparations for upcoming elections. The next expected elections are in Melaka and Johor,” he said.
He explained that sensitive or critical issues are handled by the Daily Council (Dewan Harian), which comprises the president, deputy president and vice-presidents.
“What was discussed here were general programmes. Matters related to PN leadership were not discussed in detail, as those are managed at higher levels by the president,” he said.
On suggestions that PAS might contest elections independently if internal PN disputes continue, Takiyuddin said no final decisions have been made.
“As usual, there are several options. Discussions take place, but no firm decisions have been reached,” he said.
On Friday, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin had called for an immediate resolution to the PN chairmanship issue, warning that the party may contest the 16th General Election (GE16) on its own if the deadlock persists.
